As photographers, we know that a single image can become iconic, shaping culture, evoking emotions, and—if you’re lucky—becoming timeless. And speaking of timeless images, this September marks the anniversary of one of the most famous album covers in history: Nirvana’s Nevermind. That baby underwater, reaching for a dollar bill, is etched into music history—and our visual consciousness.

But Nevermind isn’t the only cover to inspire generations of photographers. Let’s journey through some of the most famous album covers, packed with photographic techniques you can apply to your own work.

Nirvana – Nevermind (1991)

On Nevermind’s cover, a four-month-old baby swims towards a dollar bill in a pool. Photographer Kirk Weddle used underwater photography and clever depth of field to focus our attention on the baby, emphasising the innocence and tension between youth and the world’s desires. In a way, it’s a metaphor for how photography itself can pull us toward deeper meanings.

Fun Fact: The parents were paid $200 for the shoot, and the baby received a lifetime supply of diapers. Kirk Weddle only had 15 seconds to get the shot before the baby was brought back up!

For Photographers: Underwater shots can be challenging but offer stunning results. Practice with lighting and shallow depths to create focus and intrigue, just like Weddle did here.

The Beatles – Abbey Road (1969)

Who would have thought that a simple stroll across a zebra crossing could become one of the most famous images in history? Iain Macmillan had 10 minutes to capture the Fab Four in perfect sync. The cover uses a balanced composition and guides the eye through the image with the golden ratio—something every photographer should have in their back pocket.

Fun Fact: The album cover sparked one of the first ‘fan conspiracy’ theories, with some claiming Paul McCartney had died and been replaced by a lookalike.

For Photographers: Master the art of timing. Sometimes, the most memorable shots happen in a fleeting moment—make sure you’re ready to capture it.

Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

Storm Thorgerson’s surreal and minimalist prism cover for The Dark Side of the Moon doesn’t just play with light—it masters the use of colour theory. The simple split of white light into a rainbow is a lesson in how minimalism can evoke powerful emotions, just by choosing the right colours.

Fun Fact: This cover is so iconic that it’s often considered a symbol of rock culture itself—minimal yet powerful.

For Photographers: Play with colour! Don’t be afraid to experiment with how light interacts with colour in your work. Sometimes, simplicity packs the biggest punch.

David Bowie – Aladdin Sane (1973)

Bowie’s famous lightning-bolt face paint, photographed by Brian Duffy, became a symbol of reinvention and bold individuality. This album cover teaches photographers about the power of makeup and lighting to transform a portrait from ordinary to electrifying.

Fun Fact: Bowie described the lightning bolt as symbolizing a split personality—echoing the duality present in his stage persona and personal life.

For Photographers: Use dramatic lighting and thoughtful makeup in portraiture to create a striking image that resonates beyond the frame.

The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers (1971)

Technique: Tactile Photography & Provocative Design
With its working zipper, Sticky Fingers (designed by Andy Warhol) literally invites the viewer to interact with the album. This cover highlights how texture and tactile elements can make an image feel alive and memorable.

Fun Fact: The cover’s use of a zipper was controversial at the time, adding a bit of rebellious flair that was perfect for The Stones’ image.

For Photographers: Consider how textures can change the mood of your photo. Whether it’s fabric, skin, or weathered surfaces, texture adds dimension.

The Clash – London Calling (1979)

Pennie Smith’s grainy photo of Paul Simonon smashing his bass is the very definition of rock and roll rebellion. The power of capturing motion at its peak, when the moment is raw and explosive, gives this cover its iconic status.

Fun Fact: The cover mimics the typography of Elvis Presley’s debut album—a clever nod to the rock legacy The Clash was carving out.

For Photographers: Don’t fear movement. When capturing action shots, focus on the energy, not just the sharpness. A bit of blur can add dynamism to the story.

Radiohead – OK Computer (1997)

Radiohead’s OK Computer is filled with alienation and technological anxiety, and its cover echoes those themes through surreal and abstract imagery. The cover teaches photographers the power of stepping outside conventional boundaries to create work that evokes complex feelings

Fun Fact: The abstract cover art has led to endless fan interpretations, but its vagueness is exactly what makes it compelling.

For Photographers: Don’t be afraid to go abstract. Surreal images leave room for the viewer’s interpretation, adding a layer of intrigue to your work.

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours (1977)

Herbert Worthington’s intimate photo of Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks draws you into the emotional layers of Rumours. Sometimes, simplicity and personal connection between subjects can create a timeless image.

Fun Fact: Rumours was recorded amid band breakups and drama, yet it remains one of the most beloved albums ever.

For Photographers: Focus on the relationship between your subjects. Authentic moments are often the most captivating.

So as we commemorate the anniversary of Nevermind, we reflect on how one image—a naked baby underwater, reaching for a dollar bill—did more than just grace an album cover; it reshaped visual storytelling in music. The Nevermind cover broke boundaries, using photography to challenge societal norms and capture the raw essence of innocence, desire, and capitalism, all in a single frame. It was a reminder that great photography isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about creating an image that resonates on a deeper level and evokes emotion that lingers long after the shutter clicks.

From the candid simplicity of Abbey Road to the surrealism of OK Computer, these iconic images endure because they speak to something greater, something timeless. Nevermind reminds us that photography, at its best, challenges the way we see the world, making us feel, question, and remember.

So, whether you’re capturing a fleeting moment or crafting a scene to provoke thought, let these legendary works inspire you to push the boundaries—and create your own piece of visual history.